How glutamine metabolism affects muscle stem cell function and aging
Official title: Glutamine-driven "bidirectional" metabolism regulates muscle stem cell function
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11170828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance called glutamine affects muscle stem cells as we get older, and it hopes to find out if boosting glutamine can help these cells work better, which could lead to new ways to treat muscle loss in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $402,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R56AG084610-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11170828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults experiencing muscle degeneration or related conditions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger and do not have any muscle-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of glutamine metabolism in muscle stem cells and how it changes with age. By analyzing metabolic pathways, the study aims to understand how glutamine contributes to energy generation and cell viability in these stem cells. The researchers will explore whether restoring glutamine metabolism can improve the function of aged muscle stem cells, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies for age-related muscle degeneration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance muscle regeneration and function in older adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic pathways in stem cells, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, James P. — Duke University
- Study coordinator: White, James P.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Investigating genetic factors in Lewy body diseases
This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene might play a role in conditions like Parkinson's disease and dementia, so that people can better understand how their genetics affect their health and possibly find more tailored treatments.
-
Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
This study is looking at a specific protein that helps a tough childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding new ways to treat kids who have this illness.
-
Improving population health by studying reproduction and development
This study is looking at how different things in our environment can impact pregnancy and the health of babies, and it’s for people who are planning to have children or are already parents, as it aims to help improve understanding and outcomes for everyone involved.
-
Modeling axon degeneration in C. elegans to help ALS patients
Researchers are using a tiny worm model to uncover how axons break down, which could point to new ways to help people with ALS and related nerve diseases.
-
Induced Suppression of Platelet Activity in Aneurysmal SAH Management
A new approach tests whether carefully reducing platelet activity can improve outcomes after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
-
AI-enhanced virtual reality tool to support remote emergency brain surgery training in Tanzania
A new AI-powered virtual reality tool helps non-experts in low-resource areas get real-time remote guidance for emergency traumatic brain injury surgery.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.